Cowboys Keeping Micah Parsons Busy Learning Multiple Positions

Micah Parsons was a much-needed addition to the Dallas Cowboys defense. The unit was awful in 2020, but new defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is expected to get that side of the football caught up with the full-strength offense on the other side.

If that happens, Parsons' versatility is going to play a key role in that improvement. Obviously, his main role will be working as a starting off-ball linebacker alongside either Jaylon Smith, Leighton Vander Esch, Keanu Neal or fellow rookie Jabril Cox.

But he's not strictly limited to being a second-level defender. Parsons also has a history of working as an edge rusher, which Dallas plans to tap into at times moving forward. In other words, expect to see the Penn State product getting after the quarterback in some pass rushing situations.

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The team already has two edge players capable of providing pass rush, but you can never have too many quality guys making an opposing quarterback's life uncomfortable. In fact, Parsons is learning everything he can from one of those capable pass rushers, DeMarcus Lawrence:

“Last week we were watching film of pass rush, and D-Law came up to me and was like, ‘You pass rush like that, Rook?’’' Parsons said earlier this month, via The Dallas Morning News. “I was like, ‘Yeah, I used to be a defensive end.’ He was like, ‘All right, tap in with me.’ Me and him have been getting closer. If he’s out there, he’ll help me out and we’ll talk a little bit. Coming up here after OTAs are over, we’re going to work together before camp starts.”

Has learning two positions in the NFL been easy so far for Parsons? Of course not, but he's taking it in stride.

“Honestly, the last two weeks have been a big transition phase for me,” Parsons said. “Obviously learning more checks, being more vocal, playing a new position, actually playing multiple positions. It has been pretty hectic for me, but I think each and every day I’m picking up something and just going out there making early mistakes. That way I’m creating a base and a ground, getting ready for camp.”

The Cowboys still need more of a presence on the interior of their defensive line, but the additions of Parsons, Cox, second-round pick Kelvin Joseph and five others via the draft should really bolster the struggling unit. Free agent signings such as safety Damontae Kazee, Tarell Basham and Neal should also really help.

Head coach Mike McCarthy can't wait much longer for the defense to show some improvement. His job may eventually depend on it.

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Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.